Planning your dream safari? A successful African safari depends greatly on when you visit. Because wildlife watching opportunities and landscape conditions in Africa change monthly understanding what month provides what you want—from the Great Migration to bird watching—makes your safari better.
Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you pick the perfect time for your African Safari adventure:
January – Calving Season in Tanzania & Birdwatching in Botswana
The Southern Serengeti in Tanzania welcomes the newborn wildebeest during the calving season that happens in January. The bush transforms into a life-giving space where new life meets death in a dramatic encounter. Botswana transforms into a birdwatcher’s paradise as thousands of migrant birds fill the air.
February – Peak Predator Action & Photographic Safaris
The calving season in Tanzania persists through February while predator interactions with prey become more intense. The Kruger region in South Africa displays attractive landscapes because of its greenery but wildlife observation faces challenges from dense vegetation.
March – End of Calving & Great Deals in Southern Africa
The Serengeti’s calving season ends while Zambia and Zimbabwe enter their low season before the wet season begins. Travelers seeking Southern African shoulder-season deals find this time ideal for exploration.
April – Lush Landscapes & Fewer Crowds
The rainy season commences across various areas during April which creates lush landscapes and low visitor numbers. Select parks such as the Okavango Delta provide a serene atmosphere during this time since other areas remain inaccessible.
May – Dry Season Begins in Botswana & Zimbabwe
May marks the beginning of superior wildlife observation periods in Southern Africa because the rainfall has diminished. Animal populations start to congregate at water sources as the dry season sets in across Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
June – Peak Safari Season Kicks Off
June represents one of the most suitable periods for an African safari expedition particularly when visitingKenya or Tanzania. The Great Migration reaches its peak in the Serengeti while Southern Africa experiences optimal dry season conditions for wildlife observation in Botswana and Zambia.
July – Great Migration & Superb Visibility
East and Southern Africa experience their highest tourist season during July. The Great Migration moves through Kenya's Masai Mara while game viewing reaches its peak in renowned National Parks like Chobe, Hwange and Kruger. It's highly recommended to make your arrangements early since this is a highly sought-after time.
August – Iconic River Crossings in Kenya & Tanzania
Experience the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania. Wildlife enthusiasts find Botswana and Namibia attractive destinations because the dry terrain provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities with clear skies.
September – Migration Magic & Comfortable Weather
September presents the perfect opportunity to visit both East and Southern Africa in one single tourThe migration keeps happening in Kenya and Tanzania while Southern Africa maintains its dry conditions that support abundant wildlife sightings. However, safaris with this much geographic diversity can be logistically challenging.
October – End of Dry Season, Superb Game Viewing
Water sources during the dry season in Southern Africa attract wildlife concentrations during October which provides excellent conditions for game drives. East Africa experiences the end of migration season while Southern Africa reaches its peak game viewing period.
November – Green Season Begins, Great for Birding
The short rains in East Africa do not ruin the safari experience, and in fact, can add drama to your photographs. Birdwatchers find this period ideal since the lush vegetation creates an attractive habitat while the bush remains beautiful.
December – Festive Safaris & Baby Animals
The bush welcomes visitors during December when numerous parks display newborns while offering festive safari experiences and satisfying wildlife encounters particularly in Kenya and Tanzania.
Plan Your Perfect Safari
Every month brings unique experiences to the safari because you can follow the migration or photograph large cats or enjoy beautiful scenery. Check out the Adventure Safari Network website for more planning information to discover best time for african safari.